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If you're reading this and are wondering, "What the pho is Pho?" allow me to enlighten you. It's Vietnamese slurpy sipping soupy noodle goodness decorated with your choice of meat(s), bean sprouts, green onions and that oh so lovely basil. It's the kind of soup that you'll know not only from the sight, but from the taste that it has cure-all magical powers able to heal whatever ails ya while leaving you with a full tummy and warm all-over feeling. In one word, it's deeeeeeeeeeelishusss.
I hadn't been to Pho 75 in ages and took a break from work today to call the wife. "Wanna grab some Pho for early dinner tonight? We can pack up the two monkeys and head over to Pho 75 after work." Thankfully the wife loved the idea and promised to have our twin monkeys ready by the time I arrived home from work.
3pm arrived and I flew outta the office as quickly as Fred Flintstone sliding down that dinosaur's back hopping into his foot pedaled car. Yabba Dabba Doo I had Pho 75 on the brain and I flew home to pick up the family. Thankfully there was no traffic to delay our Pho-fix and we arrived in Arlington in a mere 10 minutes (Disclaimer: Fat Daddy abides by all posted speed limits and in no way endangered any member of his family during this Pho fixated auto-pilot driving).
Luck smacked our ass with a great parking spot right in front of Pho 75!! My wife and I eagerly hopped outta our seats and unstrapped the monkeys from their restraints. "Set the monkeys free!!" I thought as their little feet waddled their bodies toward the entrance of this hallowed establishment. Entering Pho 75 the smell of the place reminded me of an old childhood Vietnamese friend's house. This friend's mother used to cook up food that always left a faint trace of spices similar to the smell of Pho 75 which momentarily made me nostalgic as I wondered, "What ever happened to Quoc?"
I was brought back to the present day by one of my boys asking, "Dooooown Daddy, down." Eagerly sitting at a table, we ordered two Vietnamese Iced Coffees and two large bowls of Pho. My Pho order was #4 which consisted of round steak, bible tripe, tendon and brisket. My wife feeling a bit adventurous ordered a #10 which had well done brisket and fatty beef. What a wild woman! Not even two minutes later our coffee arrived which was soon followed by two steaming bowls of Pho goodness.
The delicious smell of meat, green onions and all the Pho goodness wrapped itself around my face in a blanket of steam. I closed my eyes and secretly whispered to today's food mistress, "Oh darling how I've missed you...I promise not to neglect you ever again." After paying homage to my Pho goddess, I separated some broth and noodles for my boys. As the small mini-bowls of Pho cooled for my boys, I sprinkled basil, bean sprouts and a splash of lime into my own big bowl. Next (and some of my old Vietnamese friends used to make fun of me for doing this), I drizzled plum sauce and a good helping of Sriracha hot sauce into my Pho. By the way, if you ever find during any of your Pho adventure that your table does not have a bottle of Sriracha, make sure to ask the waiter or waitress for a bottle of the big red cock sauce. Funny enough, they'll know to bring you a fresh bottle of Sriracha. :-)
The blend of Sriracha, basil, plum sauce and all the other ingredients blended together into something magical. I dipped in my spoon, took a huge sip of the hot spicy broth and closed my eyes to savor the moment. Delicious. Dipping my chopsticks into my bowl I came up with a magical blend of bean sprouts, meat, noodles and basil. I wasted no time shoving all of that food into my mouth and sucking in the last bit of noodles with a loud, "sluuuuuuuuuuuurp!"
By this time the boys' mini-Pho bowls had cooled and my wife and I handed them their own spoons. We were both ASTONISHED to see our two monkeys tear into the noodles and slurp up all of their broth. Our boys LOVED the Pho and even asked for more with chants of "Mo! Mo! MO!!" It was great being able to share this Pho dinner with my little family and I knew my wife was happy as she didn't talk as she devoured her noodles and broth.
We ended our Pho 75 dinner with our iced coffees (none for the monkeys) who's strong coffee flavor and condensed milk sweetness was a welcome after Pho treat that capped an end to a wonderful dinner. I love Pho 75 and truly can't remember why I waited more than a year to return. Oh yeah, fatherhood and work....that's probably why. :-)
Thankfully the boys are now able to sit down and enjoy their food without too much hassle or fuss. Watching them enjoy their mini bowls of Pho really made me happy to be able to share with them a food that I love and enjoy. Looking at them enjoy the flavor of the Pho made me eager to share new foods that I never had the chance to taste until I was a young adult. Hopefully my boys will learn to appreciate a wide variety of foods just like their Fat Dad
What I brought: myself and a thick ass book
What I ate: Pho #1
What I paid: less than $8
What was cured: hangover, appetite, loneliness
When I'll be back: today
It's an addiction quite honestly- you go in, order your regular, get it within a few minutes, and pay the cheap cash only price. My only question is what's so bad in it that makes me feel I just could not go on without it?? :)
Someone want to volunteer the answer? Seriously- seems too good to be true.
Further, it's a cure for the common cold, a hangover, any other ailment your body may be suffering at the time.
My favourite pho place in the area, they have everything I'm looking for in a perfect eatery. Fast service, easy-to-order menu, a crowd that's more concerned with devouring their meals, ready-to-use chopsticks and napkins on the tables and cheap cheap prices. All things that point to the food being so good for the price that nothing else matters.
I could be a little biased since I love noodles, I love soup and I love beef.
So I take back all negative comments and add 1 star.
I would add 2 stars however I really love a good egg roll/spring roll prior to eating pho (or a cream puff -- but *sigh* such things only happen in seattle).
Anyway, the noodles are no longer mushy, the broth is great, I kind of like that man behind the counter seems pissy all the time -- it adds to the experience.
It is our go to pho for take out or dining in from now on. ohhh and it's a block away from my home!! (ok that still remains more fun for me than for you).
I was soooo excited. I walked in the rain to get pho for my boyfriend and myself and I was a bit… Read more »
I'm really not a huge fan of this place. I have actually only eaten there once, after a looooong trek to and from the Mall for Inauguration. It was freezing, I was starving. The pho was decent. But honestly, to me pretty much any pho is decent to amazing, and this pho was definitely just decent. The place is totally no frills, but that's ok. It's just not a place I would drive across town for. Stop when you're strarving and freezing? Sure. Make a 15 minute drive? Nah.
My gripe that brings it down from three stars to two boils down to poor customer service. My little brother had his wisdom teeth out last week and I told him I'd bring him some pho. I didn't know what time they closed--I didn't see a sign on the door. But when I walked in at 8:16 a waiter started barking at me about how they were closed. Some customers were paying at the time, so I asked if there was any way I could just get an order to go. He was shaking his head so forcefully that I should have known better than to ask "Do you happen to know of another place where I could get pho nearby?" and he scoffed and said he didn't know anything about other pho restaurants. The customer who was checking out suggested that I try a place up the street, which I did.
I don't know, I realize it's no frills and decent, fast food. But I'm just not a fan of supporting jerks. When I try to support your restaurant, don't act like I'm a nuisance. It means I won't come back.
First of all, what is the big deal about pho? I haven't figured out why everyone loves it soo much. It's soup. There is nothing exciting about soup!
Anyways, this place had awesome service. It's possible that it was slightly annoying. The waitress came and filled our glasses about every 5 minutes, even if we hadn't even taken a sip from the last refill. The food came out in a timely fashion, which is always nice. I didn't even order pho. I ordered the chicken and mixed vegetables which was just....okay. There wasn't too much flavor to the chicken. I ended up dipping it in this hot sauce that sits at all of the tables. I wish I could remember what it was called, but it made everything better.
This review is definitely not a helpful one. Sorry!
I absolutely LOVE pho and have been spoiled by the abundance of cheep pho eateries in Southern CA. After moving to the DC area I was disappointed in the lack of Pho but had heard NoVA had some decent places. After sampling several pho locations in the area, it was an easy decision to call Pho75 the BEST pho in the area and by far the cheapest!
I was hesitant to write a review, because Pho75 already has huge lines at lunch and I didn't want others to find out about this place for fear that it would further over crowd; but whatever line you have to wait in for the delicious broth and noodles it is worth every second.
This place is VERY casual, and I mean you could go in slippers and pajamas and no one would bat an eye. You sit at large communal tables and they serve you steaming pho with all the right accoutrements. The only thing that is slightly annoying is that they ONLY TAKE CASH. So come prepared with no more than $10 (that includes a drink) and you will not be disappointed.
Exemplary pho in NoVA; it's as the other positive reviews have written: Cheap, fast, tasty, friendly, and, good location near other shopping, restaurants, fwy.
Magic-wonder-noodle-soup-of-the-Gods... and real good iced coffee with condensed milk. Deadly. Take cash only and be prepared to wait 10 minutes during peak hours. Recommend the Chin.
Really, this is the ideal that I hold any other place that serves Pho against. Yummy, cheap, fast. Don't go here for fine dining, this is a place that is focused on one dish (and one dish only). Other than some desserts and the drinks they do Pho. And they do it awesomely!
Remember to bring cash.
Can't beat $13 for two pho lunches!
Consistency is key, and this place has it. Still really good pho that hits the spot. Still really no-nonsense servers who bring it out hot. Still cafeteria-style atmosphere, but here for the ambiance, you're not. One more star, 'cuz I like it a lot!
Budget eats. My meatless regular bowl of Pho was $5.
Cash only. Know this before you sit down, cuz…
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Chewy, fresh noodles.
Generous portions of crunch bean sprouts and basil.
And ofcourse, a flavorful broth.
For $6 you can get a small, and with just a $1 upgrade, get a huge portion of noodles. The server is really nice and the food comes out faster than it might take you to make an eggo waffle. I've never seen a line, and parking is plentiful.
One issue with this place is that I wish there was more meat. The second is that for each additional topping, it's a whopping $1.50. Lastly, the extremely ghetto decor kind of makes me wonder how clean my food is - but it wouldn't be authentic if it weren't, right?
I'd definitely come back, just be aware that they have nothing else on the menu but pho, and definitely no vegetarian options.
Note: Cash only.
Pho 75 is an awesome no nonsense pho place.
They only serve a few things:
Different kinds of Pho
Various Sodas
Soybean drink
You can basically get whatever kind of meat you would like in your Pho. The price is very reasonable. Atmosphere almost feels like cafeteria style but that is okay. You are really in and out of there in less than an hour. Great for cold weather or when you need a noodle pick me up!
This place takes cash only.
As the name says, this is THE place for pho in the area. So quick, so cheap, and so tasty. Yummmmy. I do however wish they stay open late, when we go out in DC and coming back to Rosslyn, I need a noodle soup before heading to bed VERY late at night (in DC that's like 1am...haha). Overall this place is excellent.
Basic tip for fast Asian restaurants: Order using the number of the item if you can't even attempt to pronounce its name. However, the menu does have enough English in the descriptions for you to guess what you're ordering, even if you're unfamiliar with pho.
2 large bowls of pho (I got meatball, my bf got beef tendon/flank/tripe), 1 vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, and one lemonade set us back about $20 + tip. I had completely forgotten how much that caffeine that coffee had, so be sure you want to be up and about later if you get it.
Broth was flavorfull and clear, and it came with plenty of bean sprouts, basil, peppers and lime on the side. Hoisin and siracha standard on the side. If you haven't had vietnamese meatballs, they're the best of the asian meatballs! And they're not stingy here with the meat or noodles, so you'll definitely be full.
Service was super fast, so I imagine this place is great when it gets a little cooler and you want hot soup ASAP.
Some weird notes: Why do they have a giant Chinese scroll in the middle of the room? and this place suffers from a strict closing time (8pm) and the super thin napkins in difficult to use dispensers. I'll give it 4.5 stars for being one of the few Vietnamese places in DC, and for actually having good pho (Cleveland Park's Nam Viet fails on that front).
Will followup review when I'm less congested and have tried a few more dishes!
A perfect place to eat on a day like today. It was cold outside, but warm and crowded inside. Apparently, everyone had the same idea as me. This restaurant was really busy when I came in for a late lunch around 2pm so things were a little hectic. I managed to get a table and had to pull someone over to take my order otherwise I may have never eaten. I ordered the #4 which I think had beef, flank, tripe, and maybe tendon. Each of the cuts of meat were very good and the soup was delicious too!
I've always enjoyed a bowl of Pho at neighborhood Vietnamese restaurants around DC, until Pho 75. This place is legit. My wife and I regularly debate battling post-work traffic from DC to Arlington just to get Pho the way God intended it. (or Buddha intended it) My wife gets chicken (white meat, loves it) I get number 12. I have no idea what's in there but it's pretty amazing. Considering there are a half dozen places that are closer, this joint is worth the trip. We've picked up from Pho 75 two dozen times and only ate-in once (when we were doing some other errand in NoVA.) Not a place to go for the atmosphere. Soup is still hot when you arrive home!
Awesome pho!
Out of 5 stars. Broth - 4, Noodles - 3, Vegetables - 4, Meat - 5.
I like my noodles more al dente but the meats are the best I've ever had in pho. Usually, I don't even finish all the meat but here they were so tender and tasty. Delicious!
I was introduced to pho here by an ex. I got the full experience- hangover, sracha sauce (sp?) on the pho (i get the regular sized #9 or #12), and iced coffee afterwards for the resulting food coma. I have since moved to SF where pho abounds but this place remains my favorite. Plenty of good meat and great-tasting broth. Whenever I go home I try to make it a point to stop by here.
ps Warning if you're anything like me do not have the iced coffee after 2 pm. As tasty as it is, you won't be able to sleep until sunrise the next day.
First time trying Pho 75 today - I would definitely go back. The restaurant is a cafeteria-type setting in a strip mall next to Ray's Hell Burger.
We got there at noon and there was a line out the door -- the line continued throughout our meal. The staff was very eager to take our order as soon as we sat down -- and about five minutes later we had our food and drinks in front of us.
I ordered the plain pho (just noodles) and my boyfriend ordered one of the pho options with steak. Both were very good -- we added the sarachi sauce, chilis, bean sprouts and basil which added some great flavor.
The Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk was nice and strong and hit the spot at the end of the meal.
Our bill came to $18 -- for two bowls of pho, a soda and coffee -- and we were in and out in under an hour.
Just like most Pho places, its interior and staff make you feel like you've just gone to Vietnam. The Pho itself is decent enough to fulfill my cravings for a big, crazy beef parts, sriracha/hoisin infused soup, or cure the occasional hangover. Always puts a smile on my face after I've eaten there. Bring cash, because I always forget and have to go to the ATM at the gas station across the street.
Unpretentious. Delicious. Affordable. Addictive. Hearty. Filling. Blows away its pedestrian neighbors. That means you, Ray (or whatever you are calling yourself these days...)
You might be intimidated when ordering a second iced tea, but don't be. You may received water, though, which is also delicous.
Pros: Cheap, healthy, quick, good Pho, simple menu
Cons: simple menu, cash only, wish it could be open later.
It's my go to place when I want Pho. The place is cafeteria style and is an Arlington Icon. Don't expect to be blown out of this world with this Pho. The attraction to this place is it's consistency on delivering good quality food that people of all walks of life can appreciate and afford.
This unassuming restaurant is located in the strip mall between Rosslyn and Coutrhouse. They're menu is very limited, to Pho. But if what you want is Pho, then this is the place to come to. The portions are large and served with abundant vegetable sides. Vegetarians can get a broth that doesn't come with any meat. Other than a good healthy portion of Pho, there is little else to be desired. The restaurant itself is minimalist and almost cafeteria looking. Another drawback is that it closes at 8PM. I usually eat dinner at 8PM.
Good weeknight place to eat and go for early diners.
I almost never leave the District to eat, but Pho is worth the trip. Did I mention I love noodles?
The aesthetic is sort of back to school or house office building cafeteria, but the noodle bowls are great, and the price is exactly as it should be for noodles.
I might even make another trip to Arlington the next time I have a noodle bowl craving.
Tip - Go al dente!
I'd have to say this is the best pho I've found outside of Than Brothers in Seattle! Service is super fast, the broth not too salty, and the meat a-plenty. For some reason they close at 8pm though, so make sure you get there in time (I saw them turning people away, which is crazy).
Best part: very little MSG, if you're like me and you have a bodily reaction to it.
This is probably the coldest service one can get in the DC area. At my last visit, two minutes after we sat down, our server paced over to us with his notepad and stern face and just stared at us. No words. Just stared in a way that said, "you know what I'm here for, you know the routine. I don't have time to wait." But I'm not bothered by it because their service is quick and simple and they've never messed up my order.
I've been here several times now because it is reliably good pho. Love the broth so much that I don't even add any fixins. As far as the different meats available, I highly recommend the soft tendon. It tastes like solidified fat, but clearly isn't. The different cuts of meat are decent, but honestly all look and taste the same to me.
I always get the vietnamese coffee because it is made with a funky individual coffee filter and comes with condensed milk. It is always strong and always sweet. I recommend getting the coffee hot - regardless of the weather outdoors - because they give you extra hot water so you can prolong your coffee experience. For the iced coffee, you only get ice cubes.
As far as the atmosphere, if you're longing to recall your days in hospital cafeterias, this place will fulfill you.
Remember, it is cash only.
Cafeteria style Pho. Sounds unappealing but this place lives to the motto "Keep it Simple Stupid". The service sucks, the decor is bleah, but the Pho is perfection. The Vietnamese ice coffee is great here. Best Pho in the area hands down. Cash only so remember to hit the ATM beforehand.
With so many choices for Pho in the DMV if you are still eating this MSG bomb with no other choices except the dirty bath water that is served here then you gotta open your eyes and check with wealth of choices available.
Good luck.
[-]
a/ Avoid using hot towel they give you after meal. My mom got hives after just touching her face near mouth to clean food particle. The towel smell like chemicals.
a/ Portions are way SMALL for Pho and food is mediocre at best.
I always get the small plain and cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed will). I love pho and in the DC area this is the best place to get it. Cheap, very casual, tasty, and a full meal. Be aware you are going to sit cafeteria style, the staff is going to brisk and quick, and this is not a "gourmet" experience - except for taste.
Delicious pho, broth filled to the brim and chock full of cilantro - just the way I like it.
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Pho 75 was our lunch stop during the Engagement Photo Session I was assisting with. It was a tasty lunch, quick and cheap.
Pho 75 is my family's go-to place for lunch or dinner when we are feeling lazy and don't want to spend a lot of money. The menu offers many combinations of meats, but I always stick with No. 1 because it has everything, including tripe and tendon. We also like the iced coffee with condensed milk and the pink jello with coconut milk. Service is very efficient. Your food will be ready in less than 5 minutes.
Lots of carbs, but you know that before going in. There's nothing they can do wrong, they have the formula down and have been serving the same hot bowl of goodness for ages. Pho is the food for cold winters.
YEA for cheap yummp pho! Good pho and cheap which means I like it! Not as good as the one out in seven corners but def good for close pho craving. The place inside kind of reminds me of a cafeteria and the menu is short and to the point with different types of pho.
I got it to go and they were plentiful with the sprouts and basil which I am always concerned about when i get it to go.
this place makes me very happy that there is a close pho place!!!wohoo!! Now if only i can find a good place for some shangai dumplings....
Pho is solid here - broth with a lot of depth and flavor.
And if you haven't tried Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, try it.. It's soooo good.
Pho is great. Inexpensive, filling and flavorful soup. Yum! The restaurant is no frills with cafeteria style seating (you are served by a waiter or waitress). The soup is broth with noodles, vegetables and your choice of meat. It is served steaming hot with bean sprouts, cilantro and other mix-ins on the side. The table also has hot sauce and soy sauce available to add to your broth.
Isn't Pho from Vietnam? Man, I can see why we wanted to take that country over!
And, don't hate me John McCain, but thank god we failed! Because, honestly, I have a feeling that if we'd won, paved it over, and put up McDonnald's everywhere, I wouldn't be able to get decent Pho anywhere. As it happens, though, by going all "quagmire" on that country, then declaring "mission accomplished" and leaving, we actually got the better end of the deal (check your shirt, it's probably made in Vietnam!).
As it is, though, Pho 75 in Rosslyn provides a tasty treat of former communist goodies that likely rivals the real deal. In an ode to communist equality the restaurant sports a decidedly minimalist Chairman Mao "minimalist" decor. Have a seat at any one of the many tables, they're all pretty much the same. Take a look at the equally spartan menu and make your choice of delicious beef or chicken broth soups.
Within minutes, the waitstaff will have a steaming hot bowl of soup coupled with a plate of bean sprouts, basil, and jalapenos. This soup is so good, it'll have you screaming "Give me more, dear leader!" Wait, wrong south Asian country, but you get the point.
This place is amazing. Don't worry about the numerous accent marks on the menu, just point and order. You won't be disappointed.
Arlington, VA
Category: Vietnamese
Falls Church, VA
Category: Vietnamese
Falls Church, VA
Category: Vietnamese
Alexandria, VA
Category: Vietnamese
Arlington, VA
Category: Restaurants
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